My question can be answered in looking into the history of vacuum cleaners.
The first manual vacuum cleaner was invented by Daniel Hess of West Union, Iowa, back in 1860.
America and humanity had to wait until the end of the 19th century to see the introduction of powered cleaners, although early types used some variation of blowing air to clean instead of suction.
But it’s in fact a Brit, Walter Griffiths to whom we owe the first electric and portable vacuum-cleaning device that was marketed at the domestic market as early as 1905.
So my point is, while continental Europe was still sweeping its kitchens and bedrooms, America and England were already sucking away.
This explains why you seldom see Americans using a broom (most don’t know how to, anyway), but must admit that owning and operating a vacuum cleaner is as American as apple pie, while expert “sweepers” can only be found in Europe, North Korea and the rest of the developing world!
Thursday, May 21, 2020
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